Palm Beach County Man Convicted as Felon in Possession of a Firearm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2013

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and G. Matthew Immler, Chief, Boynton Beach Police Department, announced today that following a three day trial in West Palm Beach, Florida, a jury convicted defendant William W. Boatley, 34, of Palm Beach County, of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(e).

Sentencing is scheduled for June 29, 2013 before U.S. District Judge Kenneth A. Marra. At sentencing, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment, to be followed by up to 5 years of supervised release.

According to evidence presented at trial, on August 18, 2012, Boynton Beach Police patrol officers observed a vehicle illegally parked with an expired license plate while on routine patrol. While running from the police, the defendant was observed throwing an object, which was later recovered and determined to be a .22 caliber H & R revolver. The firearm was loaded with nine .22 caliber rounds of ammunition. According to evidence introduced in trial, the defendant had previously been convicted of a number of felony offenses and was not legally able to carry a firearm.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ATF and the Boynton Beach Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Millien.